TENT MEETINGS IN MICH by Joseph Bates; J. H. Waggoner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 9, 1857

TENT MEETINGS IN MICH.

By Joseph Bates; J. H. Waggoner

BRO. SMITH: We pitched our Tent in Burlington Village June 5th, and continued holding meetings therein every evening until the 23d inst. except two very stormy ones. We have had good and attentive congregations excepting a few stormy evenings. Many were solicitous that the Tent might remain among them longer. The major part of our hearers admitted that our position was in accordance with the Bible, especially the Sabbath of the Lord.

At our last meeting quite a number declared their intention to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Our parting scene with these dear friends which have become so deeply interested in the present truth since the Tent was pitched in their vicinity, was at the water-side yesterday morning, where thirteen of them were baptized in obedience to the command of the great head of the church. It was a solemn and interesting season.

Many that were much prejudiced against the presentation of our views when we commenced this series of meetings became believers, and rejoiced that they had heard for themselves. One of their principal men, who had been one of our constant hearers, said after our meetings were closed, this has been a good meeting; things have gone on so orderly and quietly, without that excitement which is so often produced by protracted meetings, that a good impression is left on the minds of the people that will tell for the truth.

During the eighteen days of our series of meetings we had much rainy weather with strong gusts of wind which required us to lower our Tent very often. Once it blew down by a sudden gust occasioning some damage which was however repaired, and the Tent pitched again, before the next evening meeting. During divine service in the evening, our Tent buggy was stolen from before the door of the Tent, and we have not been able as yet to learn its whereabouts.

We came on to this place with the Tent yesterday, and some of us arrived late in the evening. We are arranging to pitch it in this village and commence a series of meetings to-morrow evening.

JOSEPH BATES. J. H. WAGGONER.